The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE family of murdered primary school teacher Jillian Pinder used her funeral on Friday to remember a devoted educator, loyal friend and woman of faith whose final days were marked by gratitude even as questions surrounding her brutal stabbing remain unanswered.

Ms Pinder, 56, died on July 13, more than a month after she was attacked on June 4 by two men who allegedly held her at knifepoint, told her that someone close to her owed them money and took her to an unknown location.

She was stabbed in the throat and left there, but later managed to drive into another vehicle, whose occupants helped her.

Ms Pinder was admitted to the intensive care unit, later discharged and then readmitted before she died.

No one has been arrested or charged in connection with the attack.

At her funeral, relatives and friends reflected on the woman they knew while the circumstances of her death continued to hang over the family.

Her niece, Anna Capron, recalled Pinder’s concern for her relatives even while she was in hospital.

“Towards the end, even while she was in the hospital, she was thinking about family,” Ms Capron said. “She was so grateful for everyone that showed up for her. She said to me specifically, ‘Tell the family thanks.’”

Ms Capron said her aunt was the fun-loving relative who was always present and created lasting memories with her family.

“So, my dear family,” she said, “if Auntie Jill never got the chance to tell you herself how grateful she was, know that she was grateful for each and every one of us.”

The attack has prompted continuing calls from relatives for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Pinder’s older sister, Judith Rahming, appealed publicly last month for answers.

“Lord, we are asking You for justice,” Ms Rahming wrote in a Facebook post. “We pray that You would reveal everything hidden in darkness. Give investigators, our family, or someone out there a sign - something that leads to the truth and to the person responsible.”

Charliese Bevans, Pinder’s longtime best friend, tearfully reflected on a friendship spanning five decades and the mischievous experiences they shared as children.

She described Pinder as strong, protective and fiercely loyal.

Ms Bevans said her friend often remarked that although she had family, she had only a small number of people she considered trusted friends.

“I am humbled and I am grateful to have been one of them,” Ms Bevans said.

She said Pinder found joy in simple expressions of affection and valued thoughtful gifts more than flashy possessions.

Relatives also remembered her dedication to her students at TG Glover Primary School and the role she played in her church community.

Keisha Taylor, Bahamas Harvest Small Group Sisters director, said Pinder was more than a member of the group and had become a spiritual sister who played an important role in its life.

“She brought something different too our small group,” Ms Taylor said. “She brought quietness, gentleness. She brought a different perspective.”

Ms Taylor described her as an intentional listener who could be counted on to show up when she was needed.